The Linux Foundation launches Linux Weather Forecast

The Linux Foundation has launched a new Linux Weather Forecast service that …

The Linux Foundation has officially launched its Linux Weather Forecast page today. Developed by LWN editor Jonathan Corbet, it provides insight into ongoing kernel development activities.

The Weather Forecast lists key features in the latest kernel release and also includes short-term and long-term forecasts that list features expected to land in future kernel releases. Short descriptions are available for each kernel feature as well as links to more comprehensive and detailed explanations at LWN. It also offers brief status updates that explain general concerns and expectations associated with major kernel components. Features currently described include Ext4, Btrfs, containers, paravirtualization, AppArmor, and channels.

The information currently provided by the Linux Weather Forecast is a bit limited. It's like a concise index that enables readers to ascertain the status of kernel development at a glance. It seems like the target audience is Linux users who have a basic understanding of underlying kernel technologies but don't have the time or patience to track ongoing development on the Linux kernel mailing list or read daily kernel update sites like kerneltrap.org. Overall, it's a useful resource, but users who already read kerneltrap and LWN probably won't find much there that they don't already know.

The Linux Foundation was created in January when Open Source Development Labs merged with the Free Standard Group in an effort to find ways to better meet the needs of the rapidly changing Linux community landscape. The Linux Weather Forecast seems to fit into the organization's goals, one of which is to ensure that the kernel development process continues to be inclusive and collaborative.